Once in a generation pipeline to be installed in Sevenoaks

Work to install a new three kilometre long water main to keep taps in Sevenoaks flowing for generations to come is set to get underway next month.

With the community growing, this £2.8 million investment by South East Water will enable more water to flow around the town’s hidden pipeline network.

The investment will reduce the risk of the local community having no water or low pressure at their taps in as little as 10 years’ time.

If nothing was done, this population growth would also mean putting additional strain on the existing pipe that runs through Sevenoaks High Street, increasing the risk of bursts and interruptions to the water supply.

After completing the first phase of this project in the summer of 2020, South East Water will begin the second phase from 1 March with work taking place in Knole Park, Hollybush Close and the Tonbridge Road (A225).

Within Knole Park the pipe will be laid between Seal Hollow Road and Tonbridge Road (A225) between 6 April and the start of November. During this time the water company’s staff will be working hard to keep disruption to the park, its wildlife and visitors to a minimum.

Matt Cooper, South East Water Project Manager, said: “It is essential we carry out this project to secure the drinking water supply to Sevenoaks now and into the future.

“We know Knole Park is very special to the local and wider community so our engineers and specialist environmental team have been working hard over the past few years to make sure this project has as little impact on the site and its visitors as possible.

“While there may be a little disruption while work takes place, we will do all we can to keep it to an absolute minimum so visitors can continue enjoying the park as normal.”

The company’s efforts to keep the park maintained will not stop once the pipe is in the ground.

Matt continues: “Once the pipe has been laid we will continue to manage and enhance the landscape for years to come so eventually you’ll never know we were there.”

To ensure the safety of the company’s staff when the pipe is laid in Hollybush Close, the road will be closed overnight between 16 June and 18 June with access maintained to residents and emergency vehicles.

Work will also take place on the Tonbridge Road (A225) using a range of two and three-way traffic lights from:

• 6 April to 30 April
• 13 September to 13 October
• 19 October to 2 November

Matt continued: “I would like to thank the local community in advance for their patience while we undertake this important project to secure future drinking water supplies for Sevenoaks for generations to come.”

The route through Sevenoaks was chosen following the water company’s extensive consultation with the local community and the town’s key stakeholders.